Use a medium heavyweight rod if you’re fishing for catfish and salmon. Spin cast reels are a great choice for a beginner, as they are affordable and allow you to easily cast with a button.
If you plan on keeping your fish, be sure to look up the laws and restrictions in the area on your local government’s website. Many areas impose size restrictions on the fish you’re allowed to keep to conserve the fish population.
If you don’t have a hemostat, bring along a pair of pliers to unhook the fish.
Some states and regions like Oregon and Washington prohibit the use of live bait. [5] X Research source If you’re new to fishing, consider attaching a bobber to your line as well. Otherwise known as a float, these help your bait move with the current and can even help you spot when a fish is biting at your lure.
If you’re fishing in a boat, make sure to wear a life vest. Avoid bright colors, as this can scare off the fish.
On average, a fishing license costs $25. 42 for a resident and $61. 52 for a non-resident. [7] X Research source Be sure that you don’t forget to buy a license! Getting caught without one can lead to a ticket and fines.
Be extra quiet and still as you wait. Loud noises and swift movements can scare off an approaching fish.
This motion helps you attract fish by mimicking the movement of creatures like crawfish and baitfish (the fish’s food supply). The technique works great for all kinds of fish, including salmon, trout, and bass. To experiment with your technique, adjust how quickly you bounce the lure. Some fish may be more attracted to movement than others.
This method can catch a variety of fish, but it’s particularly affective on trout, salmon, bass, and walleye. Some anglers use an outrigger to troll for fish. This contraption attaches to your boat and allows your lure to reach a farther distance, which helps prevent fish from getting scared off by the noise and spray of your boat.
It can take even a seasoned angler a few hours to catch a fish sometimes, so how long you wait is up to you. If you’re using lures, try one in a different size, shape, or color to see if it will attract more fish. If you’re using live bait, switch to a different type if you brought another option.
If the fish is fighting and trying to get away, reel your line clockwise slightly to avoid putting too much tension on your fishing rod. Then, reel it in once more. Keep repeating this motion until the fish gets tired of fighting.
If the hook is stuck in the fish’s mouth, leave it inside and clip the fishing line with scissors instead. The hook will come out naturally in a few days, and this will prevent the fish from bleeding and getting hurt while you try to remove it. Be quick if you want to take a photo before releasing the fish. Lift the fish only slightly above the water and have a buddy take the photo. Then, immediately submerge the fish back in the water, keeping a loose grip on the fish. [27] X Research source
Knocking out the fish and killing it while unconscious is more humane than letting it asphyxiate in the air. If you don’t have a club, use any available blunt object.
To keep the fish fresh, make sure your cooler remains between 32–40 °F (0–4 °C) at all times.
